age for you. But first tell me what is this that you have done?"

Marcellus then related everything from the time he had left until his
return, concealing nothing whatever. His deep earnestness showed how
strong and true the impression was that had been made upon him. He then
related his interview with his general.

"I entered the room feeling the importance of the step I was taking. I
was about to commit an act of virtual treason, a crime which can only be
punished with death. Yet I could do nothing else.

"He received me graciously, for he thought that I had met with some
important success in my search. I told him that since I left I had been
among the Christians, and from what I had seen of them I had been forced
to change my feelings toward them. I had thought that they were enemies
of the state and worthy of death, but I found that they were loyal
subjects of the emperor and virtuous men. I could never use my sword
against such as these, and rather than do so I would give it up.

"'A soldier's feelings,' said he, 'have no right to interfere with his
duties.'

"'But my duties to the God who made me are stronger than any which I owe
to man.'

"'Has your sympathy with the Christians made you mad?' said he. 'Do you
not know that this is treason?'

"I bowed, and said that I would take the consequences.

"'Rash youth,' he cried sternly, 'go to your quarters, and I will
communicate to you my decision.'

"And so I came here at once, and have been here ever since then,
anxiously awaiting my sentence."

Lucullus had listened to the whole of Marcellus's recital without a word
or even a gesture. An expression of sad surprise upon his face told what
his feelings were. He spoke in a mournful tone as Marcellus ended.

"And what that sentence must be you certainly know as well as I. Roman
discipline, even in ordinary times, can never be trifled with, but now
the feelings of the government are excited to an unusual degree against
these Christians. If you persist in your present course you must fall."

"I have told you all my reasons."

"I know, Marcellus, your pure and sincere nature. You have always been
of a devout mind. You have loved the noble teachings of philosophy. Can
you not satisfy yourself with these as before? Why should you be
attracted by the wretched doctrine of a crucified Jew?"

"I have never been satisfied with the philosophy of which you speak. You
yourself know that there is nothing certain in it